Abstract:
Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) offer a promising solution for improving spectrum utilization. However, ensuring quality of service (QoS) for heterogeneous secondary users (SUs) during spectrum handoff, particularly under high primary network traffic, poses challenges. This study develops a Markov-based analytical model to evaluate the gain of a non-switching spectrum handoff technique using a hybrid interweave-underlay spectrum access strategy, considering sensing errors. The proposed model assesses the effects of the hybrid spectrum access method for prioritized traffic across multiple SU classes, aiming to meet QoS requirements for delay-sensitive traffic. The study examines the CRN’s short-term behavior and realistic queueing scenarios by analyzing the system’s transient dynamics. Different spectrum access methods are compared for evaluation purposes. The analysis focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the enhanced hybrid spectrum access scheme compared to individual interweave and hybrid interweave-underlay spectrum access strategies in terms of QoS provisioning for heterogeneous SUs. The results demonstrate increased throughput and improved spectrum utilization with the suggested scheme, affirming its suitability for satisfying QoS requirements for both delay-sensitive and delay-tolerant users.